Systems and methods for battery thermal management

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for managing the temperature of an energy storage system are provided. In some embodiments, the energy storage system includes a housing, a first terminal, a second terminal, an energy storage element disposed within the housing, a thermal management system, and a controller. In some embodiments, the energy storage element are configured to electrically connect to a load or a grid via the second terminal. The thermal management system is configured to manage a temperature within the housing and also configured to receive power from an external power source via the first terminal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of energy storagesystems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systemsand methods for controlling the internal temperature of energy storagesystems.

BACKGROUND

Energy storage systems have been used in a variety of applications. Forexample, energy storage systems have been used in applications ofelectric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, consumer electronics, and militaryapplications. In some applications, the energy storage system may not beconnected to a load, charged, or otherwise used for a time period ofdays, weeks, months, or years. Further, the energy storage systems maybe transported or deployed in a variety of climates. For example, themilitary may have two of the same energy storage systems with one beingdeployed in the arctic and another deployed in a desert. The extremeclimates may impact the life of the energy storage system. The energystorage systems may be crucial during an emergency, thus the longevityand reliability of the energy storage systems are crucial.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to an energy storage system.The energy storage system includes a housing, a first terminal, anenergy storage element disposed within the housing, a second terminal, athermal management system configured to manage a temperature within thehousing, and a controller coupled to the energy storage unit and thethermal management system. The thermal management system is configuredto receive power from an external power source via the first terminal.The energy storage element is configured to electrically connect to agrid via the second terminal.

Another embodiment relates to a controller of the energy storage system.The controller includes a processor that is configured to determine thatthe energy storage system is in a first state, the first statecomprising the energy storage system electrically coupled to a grid orload via a second terminal of the energy storage system, in response todetermining that the energy storage system is in the first state,electrically couple an energy storage element of the energy storagesystem to a thermal management system, determine that the energy storagesystem is in a second state, the second state comprising the energystorage system in a storage mode of operation, and in response todetermining that the energy storage system is in the second state,electrically de-couple an energy storage element of the energy storagesystem from the thermal management system and electrically couple thethermal management system to a first terminal, the first terminalconfigured to relay power from an external power source to the thermalmanagement system. The second state includes the energy storage systemreceiving power from the first terminal to power the thermal managementsystem.

Another embodiment relates to a method of controlling a temperature ofan energy storage system. The method includes determining, by acontroller of an energy storage system, that the energy storage systemis in a first state, the first state comprising the energy storagesystem providing electrical power to a load via a second terminal of theenergy storage system, in response to determining that the energystorage system is in the first state, electrically coupling, via thecontroller, an energy storage element of the energy storage system to athermal management system of the energy storage system, determining, viathe controller, that the energy storage system is in a second state, thesecond state comprising the energy storage system being turned off suchthat no power from the energy storage system is being provided via thesecond terminal, and in response to determining that the energy storagesystem is in the second state, electrically coupling, via thecontroller, the thermal management system to a first terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an energy storage systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy storage system in afirst state according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy storage system in asecond state according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of energy storage systems according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy storage systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy storage systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of controlling temperature withinan energy storage system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a state diagram of an energy storage system according to anexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application isnot limited to the details or methodology set forth in the descriptionor illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that theterminology is for the purpose of description only and should not beregarded as limiting. This application incorporates by reference U.S.application Ser. No. 15/802,164 filed on Nov. 17^(th), 2017 entitled,“Energy Storage System.”

Referring generally to the figures, systems and methods that may be usedto manage the temperature of an energy storage system are providedaccording to exemplary embodiments. One or more energy storage systemsare used to provide power to one or more loads. The load may be directlyconnected to one or more energy storage systems or the one or moreenergy storage systems may be connected to a micro or local power grid.An energy storage system has an energy storage device (e.g., batteries,capacitors, etc.) that may be charged using power from a power grid.Once charged, the energy storage system may be moved, transported, orplaced in storage (e.g., within a warehouse or trailer) until the energystorage system is needed. The energy storage system may be used in theevent of a power outage, power shortage, or away from a primary powergrid (e.g., to set up a base that is not near utility power grids).

The temperature of the energy storage system, particularly thetemperature around the energy storage device, should be controlled inorder to prevent the energy storage device from being exposed to extremetemperatures that may impact the amount of power stored by, life of,and/or the reliability of the energy storage system. In particular,during storage, an energy storage system may be vulnerable to reachtemperatures of the surrounding climate. For example, in the arctic, theenergy storage system may be exposed to temperature levels below minus40 degrees Fahrenheit, and, in the desert, the energy storage system maybe exposed to temperature levels above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and theextreme temperatures may affect the reliability and efficiency of theenergy storage system. However, controlling the temperature of the areaaround the energy storage system may not be feasible or practical insome applications. Further, an on-board thermal management system thatis powered from the energy storage device will decrease the amount ofpower that the energy storage device has stored. To address theseissues, an on-board thermal management system that may be selectivelyconnected to an external power source at least for durations of storageand transport is disclosed.

An exemplary energy storage system includes a housing, an energy storagedevice disposed within the housing, and a thermal management systemdisposed at least partially within the housing. The housing may bedesigned with one or more hooks, handles, or openings that allows theenergy storage system to be moved either manually or via machine (e.g.,a forklift).

The energy storage device may include one or more batteries (e.g.,lithium-ion batteries) or other energy storage elements. Further, theenergy storage device may include circuitry that is configured to chargethe one or more batteries when the energy storage system is connected toa power grid (e.g., via a second set of electrical terminals) andconfigured to provide power to the power grid via either direct current(DC) or alternating current (AC). For example, the circuitry may includean inverter configured to convert the DC power of the one or morebatteries into an AC power. The thermal management system is configuredto control the temperature within the housing (e.g., around the energystorage device). During a first state (e.g., where the energy storagesystem is providing power to a grid or charging the energy storageelements via the second terminals, the thermal management system may beconfigured to operate from the energy of the energy storage element orpower from the grid. During a second state (e.g., where the energystorage system is not providing or receiving power to a grid via thesecond terminals), the thermal management system may be configured tooperate from power received from an external power source (e.g., via afirst terminal). In this way, the temperature within the housing may bemaintained, managed, or controlled during times when the energy storagesystem is not in use without affecting the amount of energy stored inthe energy storage device, which increases the reliability, longevity,and efficiency of the energy storage system.

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating an energy storagesystem 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The energystorage system 100 includes a controller 101, a thermal managementsystem 102, an energy storage device 103, and housing 104. The housing104 may include one or more rigid elements that are configured to becoupled together in order to define a cavity. The controller 101,thermal management system 102, and energy storage device 103 may each bedisposed at least partially within the housing 104. The housing 104 mayalso include one or more vents that may be actuated by the controller101 and/or the thermal management system 102.

The controller 101 is communicably coupled to the thermal managementsystem 102 and energy storage device 103. The controller 101 may beconfigured to control (e.g., via one or more signals) the operationsstate of the thermal management system 102 and the energy storage device103. The controller 101 may include a processor 110, a memory 111, andan input/output interface 112. In some embodiments the controller 101may be integrated or in communication with various electronic devices.For example, in some embodiments, the controller 101 may be integratedwith or in communication with a personal computer, server system, orother computational device. In some embodiments, the various electronicdevices may assist with any of the operations described herein. In someembodiments, the various electronic devices may be used to program thecontroller 101. In some embodiments, the controller 101 may also includeone or more additional processors, application specific integratedcircuit (ASICs), or circuity that are designed to cause or assist withthe energy storage system 100 in performing any of the steps,operations, processes, or methods described herein.

The controller 101 may implement any logic, functions or instructions toperform any of the operations described herein. The controller 101 caninclude memory 111 of any type and form that is configured to storeexecutable instructions that are executable by any of the circuits,processors, or hardware components. The executable instructions may beof any type including applications, programs, services, tasks, scripts,libraries processes and/or firmware. In some embodiments, the memory 111may include a non-transitory computable readable medium that is coupledto the processor 110 and stores one or more executable instructions thatare configured to cause, when executed by the processor 110, theprocessor 110 to perform or implement any of the steps, operations,processes, or methods described herein.

In some embodiments, input/output interface 112 of the controller 101 isconfigured to allow the controller 101 to communicate with or controlvarious components of the thermal management system 102, the energystorage device 103, other electronic devices, or receive inputs from auser (e.g., via a graphical user interface). In some embodiments, theinput/output interface 112 may be configured to allow for a physicalconnection (e.g., wired or other physical electrical connection) betweenthe controller 101and the thermal management system 102 and the energystorage device 103. In some embodiments, the input/output interface 112may include a wireless interface that is configured to allow wirelesscommunication between the controller and the thermal management system102 (e.g., an ASIC, processor, or controller of the thermal managementsystem 102), external computing devices, and/or the energy storagedevice 103. The wireless communication may include a Bluetooth, wirelesslocal area network (WLAN) connection, radio frequency identification(RFID) connection, or other types of wireless connections. In someembodiments, the input/output interface 112 also allows the controller101 to connect to the interne (e.g., either via a wired or wirelessconnection). In some embodiments, the input/output interface 112 alsoallows the controller 101 to connect to other devices such as a displayor elements such as switches, sensors, or temperature probes.

The energy storage device 103 includes an energy storage element 130 andbattery management system 131. The energy storage device 103 isconfigured to store energy during a charging state and configured toprovide power to a grid or a load during an operational state. Theenergy storage device 103 may also be configured to provide power to thethermal management system 102 when in the operational state. The energystorage element 130 may include one or more batteries, capacitors,lithium ion batteries, or a combination thereof. The battery managementsystem 131 may be in communication with or controlled by the controller101. The energy storage system 100 includes an inverter 131 configuredto convert DC to AC, rectifying circuits configured to convert AC to DC,and/or other power conditioning or converting circuits. In someembodiments, the inverter 131 is electrically located between the energystorage element 130 and a second set of terminals 106. The second set ofterminals 106 are configured to allow the energy storage system 100 toelectrically couple to a corresponding power grid, local grid, or load.In some embodiments, the second set of terminals 106 may be used tocharge the energy storage element 130 and to provide power (e.g.,discharge the energy storage element 130) to a grid or a load. In someembodiments, the energy storage system 100 may be configured to provideone, two, three, four, or more phases of power to a grid or a load. Insome embodiments, the energy storage system 100 may be configured toallow charging the energy storage element 130 from one, two, three, fouror more phases of power. In some embodiments, multiple energy storagedevices 100 may be connected to the grid in parallel and act as powersources within the grid.

The thermal management system 102 is configured to control thetemperature within the housing 104 (e.g., within the cavity of thehousing 104 or more particularly around the energy storage element 130).The thermal management system 102 may include a temperature controller121 (i.e., a second controller), evaporator 122, condenser 123,compressor 124, or other temperature and climate control devices. Forexample, in some embodiments, the thermal management system 102 mayadditionally or alternatively include one or more heating elements,fans, airflow devices, actuating vents, sensors, temperature probes, orsimilar devices. In some embodiments, the exact elements included withinthe thermal management system 102 may be dependent upon a particularapplication (e.g., a known deployment location) intended for the energystorage systems 100.

The energy storage system 100 also includes a first terminal 105 (e.g.,an auxiliary terminal). The first terminal 105 is electrically coupledto the thermal management system 102 either directly or indirectly(e.g., via a switch or contact) such that the first terminal 105, whenconnected to an external power source, may supply the thermal managementsystem 102 with power to operate, monitor, maintain, adjust, orotherwise control the temperature around the energy storage element 130.In some embodiments, the thermal management system 102 or controller 101is configured to control corresponding circuitry (e.g., switches) inorder to allow power received at the first terminal 105 to be receivedand used by the thermal management system 102.

In some embodiments, circuitry corresponding to the first terminal 105may be configured such that any time the first terminal 105 is receivingpower over a particular voltage or current threshold, the thermalmanagement system 102 is able to receive the power. For example, in someembodiments, the circuitry corresponding to the terminal may include oneor more diodes configured to allow power received at the first terminal105 to be received by the thermal management system 102. In someembodiments, the first terminal 105 may be configured to connect to an110V AC power supply (e.g., a wall outlet in the United States). In someembodiments, corresponding circuitry of the first terminal 105 may beconfigured to allow the thermal management system 102 to receive ACpower. In some embodiments, corresponding circuitry of the firstterminal 105 may be configured to convert AC (e.g., 110V at 60 hertz,208V at 60 hz, etc.) to DC (24 Volts) and provide the thermal managementsystem 102 with the DC power (e.g., via the use of an adapter orrectifying circuit).

In some embodiments, the first terminal 105 includes a male or femaleend of a plug that can be connected (e.g., via an extension cord orother cord) to an outlet of a power grid or other power supply. In someembodiments, the first terminal 105 includes one or more electricalterminals that allow the terminal to the hardwired to an external powersource. In some embodiments, power received via the first terminal 105only provides power to the thermal management system 102 (e.g., not tocharge the energy storage element 130).

It should be noted that various other components can be included in theenergy storage system 100 that are not shown for sake of clarity of thepresent embodiments. These can include various power and/or signalconditioning components such as power busses, sensors, probes, displays,inverters, or other temperature conditioning elements. Such additionalcomponents can be included in the energy storage system 100 asappropriate for the particular embodiment.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are referenced in tandem for purposes of demonstration.FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy storage system in afirst state 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The first state200 depicts the energy storage system 100 coupled to a power grid 204(e.g., a micro-grid). FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating anenergy storage system in a second state 300 is shown according to anexemplary embodiment. The second state 300 depicts the energy storagesystem 100 coupled to an external power source 302.

In the first state 200, a the second terminal 106 of the energy storagesystem 100 is connected to a power grid 204 such that the power grid 204may either be receiving power from or supplying power to the energystorage system 100 (e.g., the energy storage system 100 is in anoperational state). In some embodiments, the energy storage system 100may be connected to and supplying power directly to a load. In someembodiments, the power grid 204 is also connected to one or moregenerators, or other energy storage systems. In some embodiments, thepower grid 204 is a micro or local power grid. In some embodiments, theenergy storage system 100 is supplying or receiving power from the powergrid 204 that has one, two, three, four, or more phases. In someembodiments, the energy storage system 100 is receiving power from thepower grid 204 and charging the energy storage element 130. In someembodiments, the energy storage system 100 is supplying power to thepower grid 204 from the energy storage element 130.

In the first state 200, the thermal managements system 102 may receiveenergy from the energy storage element 130 and/or the power grid 204 inorder to operate and manage the temperature around or of the energystorage element 130. In some embodiments, the power received from theenergy storage element 130 and/or the power grid 204 is DC or AC power.In some embodiments, the power received from the energy storage element130 and/or the power grid 204 operates a temperature controller of thethermal management system 102 and drives one or more drives of acondenser, or other component of the thermal management system 102.

In the second state 300, the energy storage system 100 is not supplyingor receiving power from a power grid (e.g., the energy storage system100 is in a storage mode). In the second state 300, the first terminal105may be connected to an external power source 302. Examples of anexternal power source 302 may include an external battery, battery pack,outlet of a utility power grid, generator, alternator, or other powersource. In some embodiments, the energy storage system 100 may havecircuitry configured to condition or convert the power from the externalpower source 302 into a different form, voltage, phase, or frequency(e.g., AC to DC, DC to AC, DC to DC, AC to AC).

The external power source 302 is configured to supply power to theenergy storage system 100 in order for the thermal management system 102to operate. That is, in some embodiments, the external power source 302is not used or able to charge the energy storage element 231. Rather,the external power source 302 enables the thermal management system 102to operate and keep the internal temperature (e.g., temperature of oraround the energy storage element 130) within a pre-determined range(e.g., within the range of 32-75 degrees Fahrenheit). In someembodiments, the predetermined range may be set via a user interfaceand/or changed via a user interface. In some embodiments, thepredetermined range may be set narrower (e.g., 65-71 degrees Fahrenheit)broader (e.g., 30-90 degrees Fahrenheit) depending upon the type of,capacity, of the external power source being utilized or the particularclimate that the energy storage system 100 is in. It is to beappreciated that the exact values of the predetermined range with bedependent upon the characteristics, types, and forms of energy storageelement(s) 130 implemented.

Referring to FIG. 4, an isometric view of energy storage system 400 isshown according to an exemplary embodiment. The energy storage system400 depicts an example of a form factor of the energy storage system100. The energy storage system 400 includes a control panel 421, a viewof an example second terminal 422, and an example of a first terminal420.

As discussed above, the exact configuration of the second terminal 422(e.g., size and number) may be dependent upon the particular energystorage system 402. For example, the terminals 422 may change in numberdependent upon whether the second energy storage system 400 is designedto output one, two, three, or more phases at particular voltages andcurrents. Also, as discussed above, the exact form and type of the firstterminal 420 may be dependent upon the country or location that thesecond energy storage system 402 is to be deployed, the type ofcorresponding circuitry to the first terminal 420, or otherconsiderations. In this example, the first terminal 420 is depicted as areceptacle that is configured to receive a corresponding plug from anextension cord 403. A second plug of the extension cord may then beplugged into a wall outlet or other corresponding power outlet.

Reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are made in tandem for purposes ofdemonstration. FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram illustrating an energystorage system 500 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 depictsa schematic diagram illustrating an energy storage system 600 accordingto an exemplary embodiment. The energy storage systems 500 and 600includes a thermal management system 501 and a controller 502. Thecontroller 502 may be similar to the controller 101 and 220 discussedherein. The controller 502 is communicably coupled to the thermalmanagement system 501 via a communications connection 595. The energystorage systems 500 and 600 are configured to receive energy from anexternal power source 580 in order to operate the thermal managementsystem 501. In this example, the external power source 580 is depictedas a 110V single phase wall outlet. However, as discussed herein, indifferent embodiments, the energy storage system 500 and 600 may bedesigned to receive power from an external power source having variousplug types, voltages, phases, or frequencies.

Referring to FIG. 5, the energy storage system 500 includes a terminalthat is configured to allow an electrical connection between theexternal power source 580 and the energy storage system 500. In someembodiments, the energy storage system 500 includes a terminal that isconfigured to (e.g., of the design to) receive power from acorresponding adapter 503. In some embodiments, the energy storagesystem 500 the adapter may be located within the energy storage system500 such that the terminal connects directly to the external powersource and energy from the external power source 580 is converted orconditioned by the adapter 503 after being received via the terminal.

The energy storage system 500 includes an energy storage element 508, aswitch 507 (e.g., a contact), a DC to DC converter 506, and a powerdistribution block 505. The energy storage element 508 are connected tothe DC to DC converter 506 via a connection that is breakable oropenable via the switch 507. In some embodiments, the controller 502 maycontrol the state of the switch 507 (e.g., open or closed). That is, insome embodiments, the switch 507 is a static electronic component thatmay be controlled by the controller 502. The DC to DC converter 506 isconfigured to receive the DC energy from the energy storage element 508and output a signal having a DC voltage at a particular level (e.g.,24V). The output from the DC to DC converter 506 is received by thepower distribution block 505. The power distribution block 505 may beconnected to the thermal management system 501 and configured to supplyenergy to the thermal controller 510 and drive, for example, a 24 V DCcompressor 513, condenser 511, and evaporator 512. In this way, when theswitch 507 is closed, the thermal management system 501 is configured tooperate from power received from the energy storage element 508. In someembodiments, the controller 502 may also be connected to and receivingpower from the power distribution block 505.

Additionally, power from the external power source 580 (e.g., at 110VAC) may be received by the adapter 503 and the adapter 503 may output aDC signal (e.g., 24 V) to the power distribution block 505. In someembodiments, an output of the adapter 503 is connected to an input ofthe power distribution block 505 with a diode 504 in the connection. Insome embodiments, the diode is configured to only allow current (e.g.,energy) into to the power distribution block 505 such that no current orenergy may be extracted from the terminal. In this way, energy from theexternal power source 580, via the terminal, may be used to power thethermal management system 501 partially or not at all (depending oncurrents and voltage levels of the adapter and power distribution block)when the switch 507 is closed. Further, when the switch 507 is open,energy from the external power source 580 may be used to completelyoperate the thermal management system 501.

Referring to FIG. 6, the energy storage system 600 includes a terminalthat is configured to allow an electrical connection between theexternal power source 580 and the energy storage system 600. The energystorage system 600 includes an energy storage element that are connectedto an inverter via the power cables 601 with diodes in order to outputan AC electrical signal into the circuit 697 and prevent power flow fromfeeding back into the inverter. The circuit 697 is also configured toreceive AC power from the external power source 580. In someembodiments, the circuit 697 may include a breaker, various diodes, orswitches. The circuit 697 may receive AC power from either or both fromthe energy storage element and supply the thermal management system 501with power to operate. In some embodiments, the thermal managementsystem 501 may include an AC compressor 613, condenser 611, andevaporator 612. In this way, the AC energy from the circuit 697 may beable to directly drive one or more of the various components of thethermal management system 501.

It is to be appreciated that FIGS. 5 and 6 are meant by way of exampleand that other embodiments are contemplated. For example, in someembodiments, a thermal management system may have a various componentssuch as a compressor configured to be powered by variable frequencydrives (VFD). In such an embodiment, the VFD compressor or othercomponents may be configured to operate or be driven from AC powerreceived from an external power source via the terminal or configured tooperate or be driven from DC power received from the energy powerelements.

Referring to FIG. 7, a flow diagram of a method 700 of controllingtemperature within an energy storage system is shown according to anexemplary embodiment. In an operation 701, a controller determines thestate of the energy storage system is in. At decision block 710, thecontroller the controller determines whether the energy storage systemis in a first state. In some embodiments, the first state includes theenergy storage system being connected to a power grid or load via asecond terminal of energy storage system. In some embodiments, the firststate includes the energy storage system providing power to or receivingpower from the power grid. In some embodiments, the first state includesa user manually switching a switch or manually entering an input (e.g.,via a display presenting a graphical user interface) to put the energystorage system into the first state. The controller may determine thatthe energy storage system is in the first state by detecting ormonitoring for electrical connections between the second terminal andpower grid or in response to receiving an input.

If the energy storage system determines that the energy storage systemis in the first state, the energy storage system then proceeds tooperation 702. In operation 702, the energy storage system isolates thefirst terminal and causes the thermal management system to be powered bythe power on the power grid in operation 703. That is, in operation 702,the energy storage system may cause a switch or contact to open suchthat the thermal management system does not receive power via the firstterminal. Further, in energy storage system 703 the controller may causea switch or contact to close such that the thermal management systemreceives power from the energy storage elements and/or the power grid.

If the controller determines that the energy storage system is not inthe first state (e.g., that the energy storage system is in the secondstate), the controller proceeds to operation 704. In some embodiments,the energy storage system may determine that the energy storage systemis not in the first state if the energy storage system detects that thesecond terminal is not electrically coupled to the power grid. In someembodiments, the energy storage system may determine that the energystorage system is not in the first state in response to receiving amanual input. In some embodiments, in response to determining that theenergy storage system is not in the first state, the energy storagesystem may cause a contact or switch to open such that the thermalmanagement system does not receive power (e.g., is electricallydisconnected or isolated from) the energy storage element and/or thesecond terminal.

In operation 704, the energy storage system determines whether the firstterminal is connected to an external power supply. If the energy storagesystem determines that the first terminal is connected to the externalpower supply, the energy storage system may cause a switch or contact toclose such that the thermal management system receives power from theexternal power supply via the first terminal at operation 705. Inresponse to the thermal management system receiving power via the firstterminal from the external power supply, the thermal management systemmay operate by measuring the temperature around the storage element andoperating the thermal management system such that a temperature setpoint is reached and maintained.

If the energy storage system determines at operation that the firstterminal is not connected to the external power supply, the energystorage system may output a visual indication on a display or send amessage to a user device via the input/output interface indicating thatthe energy storage system is not plugged into the external power supplyat operation 706.

Referring to FIG. 8, a state diagram 801 of an energy storage system isshown according to an exemplary embodiment. In a first state 801, theenergy storage system is configured to receive power via the secondterminal 890. Further in the first state 801, the energy storage systemmay have a first mode of operation 810 and a second mode of operation811. In the first mode of operation 810, the thermal management systemis configured to receive power from the power grid via the secondterminal and/or the energy storage element. In the second mode ofoperation 811, the energy storage system may be supplying power to aload via the second terminal and the thermal management system receivespower from the energy storage element (e.g., via connecting the thermalmanagement system to the second terminal and thereby the energy storageelement).

In a second state 802, the energy storage system is configured toreceive power via the first terminal 891. That is, in the second state802, the first terminal may be connected to an external power supply andthe energy storage system may electrically connect the first terminal tothe thermal management system such that the thermal management systemreceives power from the external power supply via the first terminal.The second state 802 may indicate that the energy storage system is notin an operational use mode, is not connected to a power grid via thesecond terminal, or otherwise is in a storage or transportation mode ofoperation 820.

Additionally, the energy storage system, in response to detecting ordetermining the second state, may output a signal configured to open aswitch or contact such that no power from the one or more energy storageelement may be received by the thermal management system. That is, thecontroller may control circuitry such that the thermal management systemdoes not use power from the storage element when the energy storagesystem is in the second state.

The disclosure is described above with reference to drawings. Thesedrawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments thatimplement the systems and methods and programs of the presentdisclosure. However, describing the disclosure with drawings should notbe construed as imposing on the disclosure any limitations that may bepresent in the drawings. The present disclosure contemplates methods,systems and program products on any machine-readable media foraccomplishing its operations. The embodiments of the present disclosuremay be implemented using an existing computer processor, or by a specialpurpose computer processor incorporated for this or another purpose orby a hardwired system. No claim element herein is to be construed underthe provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the elementis expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” Furthermore, noelement, component or method step in the present disclosure is intendedto be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the element,component or method step is explicitly recited in the claims.

As noted above, embodiments within the scope of the present disclosureinclude program products comprising machine-readable storage media forcarrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structuresstored thereon. Such machine-readable storage media can be any availablemedia that can be accessed by a computer or other machine with aprocessor. By way of example, such machine-readable storage media caninclude RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD ROM or other optical disk storage,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in theform of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which canbe accessed by a computer or other machine with a processor.Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofmachine-readable storage media. Machine-executable instructions include,for example, instructions and data which cause a computing device ormachine to perform a certain function or group of functions. Machine orcomputer-readable storage media, as referenced herein, do not includetransitory media (i.e., signals in space).

Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the general context ofmethod steps which may be implemented in one embodiment by a programproduct including machine-executable instructions, such as program code,for example, in the form of program modules executed by machines innetworked environments. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.Machine-executable instructions, associated data structures, and programmodules represent examples of program code for executing steps of themethods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executableinstructions or associated data structures represent examples ofcorresponding acts for implementing the functions described in suchsteps.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in a networkedenvironment using logical connections to one or more remote computershaving processors. Logical connections may include a local area network(LAN) and a wide area network (WAN) that are presented here by way ofexample and not limitation. Such networking environments are commonplacein office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and theInternet and may use a wide variety of different communicationprotocols. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such networkcomputing environments will typically encompass many types of computersystem configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices,multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, servers, minicomputers, mainframe computers,and the like. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced indistributed computing environments where tasks are performed by localand remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwiredlinks, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wirelesslinks) through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

An exemplary system for implementing the overall system or portions ofthe disclosure might include a computing device that includes, forexample, a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus thatcouples various system components including the system memory to theprocessing unit. The system memory may include read only memory (ROM)and random access memory (RAM) or other non-transitory storage medium.The computer may also include a magnetic hard disk drive for readingfrom and writing to a magnetic hard disk, a magnetic disk drive forreading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk, and an opticaldisk drive for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk suchas a CD ROM or other optical media. The drives and their associatedmachine-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of machine-executableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputer.

It should be noted that although the flowcharts provided herein show aspecific order of method steps, it is understood that the order of thesesteps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may beperformed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation willdepend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designerchoice. It is understood that all such variations are within the scopeof the disclosure. Likewise, software and web implementations of thepresent disclosure could be accomplished with standard programmingtechniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish thevarious database searching steps, correlation steps, comparison stepsand decision steps. It should also be noted that the word “component” asused herein and in the claims is intended to encompass implementationsusing one or more lines of software code, and/or hardwareimplementations, and/or equipment for receiving manual inputs.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the disclosure have beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise formdisclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principalsof the disclosure and its practical application to enable one skilled inthe art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An energy storage system comprising: a housing; afirst terminal; a thermal management system configured to manage atemperature within the housing, the thermal management system configuredto receive power from an external power source via the first terminal; asecond terminal; an energy storage element disposed within the housing,the energy storage element configured to electrically connect to a gridvia the second terminal; and a controller coupled to the energy storageunit and the thermal management system.
 2. The energy storage system ofclaim 1, wherein the thermal management system is further configured toreceive power from the energy storage element.
 3. The energy storagesystem of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to electricallycouple the thermal management system to the energy storage elementduring a first state of the energy storage system, and electricallydecouple the thermal management system from the energy storage elementduring a second state of the energy storage system.
 4. The energystorage system of claim 3, wherein the first state comprises the energystorage element coupled to the grid and supplying power to the load orgrid or receiving power from the grid, and wherein the second statecomprises the energy storage system in a storage mode.
 5. The energystorage system of claim 4, further comprising a switch coupled to thecontroller, the controller configured to selectively control the switchsuch that the thermal management system is electrically coupled to anoutput of the energy storage element in the first state, and the thermalmanagement system is electrically decoupled from the energy storageelement in the second state.
 6. The energy storage system of claim 1,the thermal management system further comprising a controller coupled toa compressor, a condenser, and evaporator, the controller configured tocontrol an operational state of the compressor.
 7. The energy storagesystem of claim 6, wherein the compressor comprises a variable speeddirect current (DC) compressor, an alternating current (AC) compressor,or a variable frequency drive (VFD) configured to receive both DC andAC.
 8. The energy storage system of claim 6, further comprising an AC toDC power converter configured to receive AC power from the externalpower source and provide the thermal management system with DC power. 9.The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the energy storage unit isconfigured to provide direct current (DC) power to the thermalmanagement system via a DC to DC converter.
 10. The energy storagesystem of claim 1, wherein the energy storage element comprise one ormore batteries, and wherein the energy storage system includes aninverter electrically coupled to an output of the energy storageelement.
 11. A controller of an energy storage system comprising: aprocessor configured to: detect that the energy storage system is in afirst state, the first state comprising the energy storage systemconfigured to electrically provide or receive power to a grid via asecond terminal of the energy storage system; in response to determiningthat the energy storage system is in the first state, electricallycouple an energy storage element of the energy storage system to athermal management system; detect that the energy storage system is in asecond state; and in response to determining that the energy storagesystem is in the second state, electrically de-couple an energy storageelement of the energy storage system from the thermal management systemand electrically couple the thermal management system to a firstterminal, the first terminal configured to relay power from an externalpower source to the thermal management system.
 12. The controller ofclaim 11, wherein determining that the energy storage system is in asecond state is based on a manual input, and wherein the second statecomprises the energy storage system in a storage mode.
 13. Thecontroller of claim 11, wherein the thermal management system isconfigured to maintain a temperature of an area around the energystorage unit.
 14. The controller of claim 11, wherein the thermalmanagement system comprises a thermal management controller coupled to acondenser, an evaporator, and a compressor.
 15. The controller of claim14, wherein to electrically couple the energy storage element of theenergy storage system to the thermal management system, the controllerelectrically couples the thermal system controller to an output of theenergy storage unit using a switch.
 16. The controller of claim 15,wherein to electrically couple the thermal management system to thefirst terminal, the controller electrically couples the thermal systemcontroller to the first terminal using a second switch.
 17. A method ofcontrolling a temperature of an energy storage system comprising:determining, by a controller of an energy storage system, that theenergy storage system is in a first state, the first state comprisingthe energy storage system configured to provide electrical power to agrid or load via a second terminal of the energy storage system; inresponse to determining that the energy storage system is in the firststate, electrically coupling, via the controller, an energy storageelement of the energy storage system to a thermal management system ofthe energy storage system; determining, via the controller, that theenergy storage system is in a second state; and in response todetermining that the energy storage system is in the second state,electrically coupling, via the controller, the thermal management systemto a first terminal.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising, inresponse to determining that the energy storage system is in the secondstate, electrically de-coupling, via the controller, an energy storageunit of the energy storage system to a thermal management system. 19.The method of claim 17, wherein determining that the energy storagesystem is in the first state comprises determining that the energystorage system has been turned on.
 20. The method of claim 17, whereindetermining that the energy storage system is in the first statecomprises determining that the energy storage system is receivingelectrical power from the grid via the second terminal.